Pre-orders for the new HTC One M8 Google Play Edition are about to hit the virtual shelves of the Play Store, but one will set you back a whopping $699. Some jaws are surely sore from the ground impact they just suffered, but here's something that may help with the swelling. The price of the 2013 HTC One (M7) GPE has just dropped by $100. Now instead of parting with $599 all at once, Google will ship you one for $499.

The Googley variant of the HTC One was a costly piece of metal when it launched at its original price point, but relative to what its successor is now going for, it's starting to look like a relative bargain. The device is still an impressive feat of engineering, and last year's top-of-the-line specs are still better than what most Android devices ship with. It lacks the Sense goodies, but if you're shopping for devices on Google Play, then that's entirely the point. Link's below.